STORY: Rwanda exhibition shines light on country's small-scale entrepreneurs
DATELINE: Aug. 11, 2023
LENGTH: 00:04:20
LOCATION: Kigali
CATEGORY: SOCIETY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of the exhibition
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Kinyarwanda): DIDIUS HATEGEKIMANA, Founder, CEO of Kigali Didy Designs Cow Horns
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Kinyarwanda): PENDO RITA, CEO of Rita Design Company
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Kinyarwanda): EMMANUEL HATEGIKAMA, Salesperson at Ikirezi natural products company
 
STORYLINE:
 
The largest Rwanda international trade show since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions puts a spotlight on small-scale entrepreneurs' made-in-Rwanda products.
 
Organized by the Rwanda Private Sector Federation, the Rwanda International Trade Fair at Gikondo Exhibition Ground in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, runs through Aug. 15.
 
In its 26th edition this year, the exhibition drew more than 413 exhibitors from 21 countries around the world, including 118 from abroad.
 
Alongside merchandise from international exhibitors and established Rwandan companies are products from small-scale firms, providing a glimpse of emerging local entrepreneurs.
 
Hategekimana, whose company, Kigali Didy Designs Cow Horns, operates in the capital's Gasabo district, attended his first exhibition four years ago at the same showground.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (Kinyarwanda): DIDIUS HATEGEKIMANA, Founder, CEO of Kigali Didy Designs Cow Horns
"This is the best exhibition I have attended since the COVID-19 pandemic. It's crucial for people to recognize the excellence of products made in Rwanda. We are showing wood cutlery, which is very rare to find. Some people can't believe that these products are made in Rwanda, but I want to assure them that made-in-Rwanda products are of high quality."

Not very far from Hategekimana's stand, Pendo Rita showcases shoes and ornaments produced by Rita Design Company, her firm in the Kicukiro district.
 
It is her first time to attend such a big exhibition.
 
The COVID-19 lockdown, which affected people globally, is what got Pendo to think of creating her own job.
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (Kinyarwanda): PENDO RITA, CEO of Rita Design Company
"I like work. I have been employed for a long time. I felt that when I dedicate my energy to my own business I can push ahead faster. We are happy that the Ministry of Trade and Industry supports us as youth to exhibit our products."

Most of the exhibitors of made-in-Rwanda products are allocated stands close to each other, facilitated by the Rwandan Ministry of Trade and Industry.
 
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Hategikama, a salesperson who represents Ikirezi natural products company, showcased mosquito repellents, air fresheners and essential oils, including those for skin care.
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (Kinyarwanda): EMMANUEL HATEGIKAMA, Salesperson at Ikirezi natural products company
"The annual exhibition helps to make our products known, which increases the company's sales. New innovations are seen each year."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kigali.
(XHTV)